With nine years of high-school head-coaching experience at River Falls and two at Whitewater before joining the Parker staff two years ago as an assistant, Bullis is eager to get started.

“I've got a great group of girls who are working hard and getting a better grasp each and every day of the new system we're going to use,” Bullis said. “The effort has been great, and I'm really happy with the way this team has focused on getting ready for the season.”

Parker struggled in the rugged Big Eight Conference a year ago and lost its top player, Ashley Hartwig, to graduation.

The Vikings do have talent returning, however, including four seniors with varsity experience.

Claire Fox is back as the team's setter and will be counted on to be the floor leader, Bullis said.

Senior Kristin Dallman will open at rightside hitter and Alyssa Krauter as a middle blocker. Bullis considers senior Karmen Bailey a defensive specialist.

“We want to play fast,” Bullis said, “and I think we've got the group of kids to do that. And I don't just mean playing physically fast, but thinking ahead and being fundamentally sound. We want to be the team forcing the action.”

Ally Gorman, a junior, is a returning starter at outside hitter. Bullis has seven other juniors expected to contribute. Kathryn Dubanowich will play middle blocker, and Jessica Thompson is expected to be an outside hitter. Sidney Litke can play either outside hitter or rightside hitter, while junior Kyslee Grieve and Danielle Kettle are competing for the libero position. Bri Boys will serve as a back-up setter, and Maddie Clark as a middle blocker.

“We just want to show improvement as a team each and every day and continue to work hard,” Bullis said.

“I know how strong our conference is, but that doesn't mean we can't be competitive.”